posted on January 25, 2005 09:40:23 AM new
I really think some bidders think that. They act as if writing a check and putting it in the mail is as difficult as packaging a box of glass and shipping it so it arrives safely.
Yesterday I received a money order by mail for a glass bowl. I also received that impatient email from the bidder, "I sent payment a week ago, what is going on???" So I email them and let them know the payment arrived yesterday and that we ship once a week (Thursdays- which is noted in the auction). They email me back, "I don't understand why it took so long." "I sent payment right away in order for you to send the item immediately. I hope you consider this."
I find it amusing now. I have narrowed it down to two types of customers I have. 1) Non Paying Bidders 2) impatient whiners.
I often think they feel as though I sit at my computer all day watching my millions double while sipping on vanilla lattes, microbrews, eating lobster and quiche. Geez, don't they realize I have a life outside of that??? I also go sailing, and travel the world once a month on the riches I steal from these morons. lol.
posted on January 25, 2005 10:30:36 AM new
Bidders probably read the article in Women's World about the seller that makes $10,000.00 a month selling scrabbook supplies.
She was a single mom with no money, found a job doing data entry for minimum wage and couldn't make it. Needed extra money so whe went through her house and collected anything she thought could make money on eBay. She had rounded up $300.00 worth of scrapbook supplies and sold them for $1,000. She now sells exclusively on eBay and she states she makes $10,000 a month.
Yes there are stories like that but few and far between...
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posted on January 25, 2005 10:43:13 AM new
There are a lot of stories floating out there about how easy ebay is. If they only knew how hard it can be.
The finding items to sell is fun (antique and collectibles in my case), the photographing isn't bad either. But the rest can be a big fact pain in you know what.
I still can't think of anything else I would rather be doing!!!!
posted on January 25, 2005 10:50:46 AM new
I just love those impatient bidders. On top of everything, I ship via media mail most of the time. It is clearly noted, in the end of auction and payment received notification, I mention that media mail from Oregon to the East Coast can take 7-12 business days. I get people who take their sweet time paying, and I get email demanding to know why they have not received their item. I've customized my invoicing program so I capture the exact time that I process their payment. I can tell them how long it took from the time the auction ended until I received payment, and how long it took for me to ship (usually the next business day, sometimes 2 at most)
My other favorite is those who exaggerate things. They will say something like I paid for this 3 weeks ago, where is it? I then tell them that the auction ended 11 days ago, I received payment yesterday, and I shipped the SAME DAY. What more do they want from me?
posted on January 25, 2005 01:25:31 PM new
One thing that you could do to prevent most of those types of e-mails is to contact your buyer when you receive the payment. Then at that time let them know again the day that you ship. I have yet to receive a complaint from anyone with this policy. If your buyer knows that you haven't forgotten about them, they will appreciate that.
Bigger point is by taking the 30 seconds it takes to write a quick note, it will save you 5 - 10 minutes later on by not having to track down the transaction.
I have a quick notice that I have saved in a word file that I simply copy and paste, then fill in the title of the auction and send. Saves me a lot of time.
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Alive in 2005
posted on January 25, 2005 01:28:01 PM new
I agree, it definitely helps to have this type of email. I do with every transaction, but there will always be some that make it more difficult no matter what you do. That's just life!
posted on January 25, 2005 02:43:30 PM new
Hi all,
If it's PayPal, I reply to the payment notification as follows:
Hi (whoever) - Thanks for the speedy payment! I'll send your (whatever it is) right out. - Lucy
When they are going to send a check or money order, I thank them for writing and let them know I'll send their package as soon as payment gets here. Of course when it does arrive I write again.
Takes maybe 30 seconds per message. I don't cut and paste anything, it's quicker to just type it out. So far I've only gotten thank you emails, never a complaint.
posted on January 25, 2005 03:00:26 PM new
I do the same as Lucy, except for this last bunch of auctions. I had 5 close not expensive items and I hate making those trips to the post office so what I did was buy enough postage for each one. Pack them all and mail them. So far 3 out of the 5 have paid but honestly since it was for items I will not lose anything if the last two don't pay. I have already had feedback from one of the buyers. Mailed Sunday night and arrived this morning in Virginia. I received feedback from her already. If everyone would use paypal and do it immediately it would be so much easier.
Of course I wouldn't do that if the items had been higher.
About the scrapbook lady, in the article it said she even buys things retail. From what I can gather she must scan the catagory and see what is selling...she said at some retail stores she gets some great pieces.
posted on January 25, 2005 03:01:43 PM new
I have all this set up through Vendio. An e-mail goes out when payment is received and when the item is shipped. I STILL get e-mails.
Be kind. Everyone is fighting their own secret battles.
...Author Unknown
